It’s the most expensive disaster in Canadian history, but some people say they’re still not getting what they deserve when their Fort McMurray home burned to the ground.
Last May’s wildfire will cost insurers $3.5 billion, but one law office says people are frustrated because they can’t collect on their insurance claims.
Resident Sheila Smart says her insurer is only covering the cost of lost rent on her home.
She says she only recieved $20,000, while there’s more than $300,000 on her condo’s mortgage.
Right now, she’s paying rent and working in Edmonton, and says many of her condo neighbours are in a similar situation.
“They’re also, you know, losing faith because some of them are on the verge of bankruptcy and everyone feels like all these banks just want to take the properties and they don’t really care,” said Smart.
Don Scott McMurray Law Office has been offering free consultations. Scott says people are reaching a breaking point.
“Very different experiences, even sometimes with the same insurance company. Some people are being paid out, some people are being resisted. So, that’s why it’s so important for people to talk to a lawyer and get some good advice.”
He says this is a chance for insurance companies to step up by delivering on the promises they made.
